In this first newsletter of 2019, some news about the result of our latest auction, details of the first lunch of the year - a new venue - and the latest from Goldra. And hidden in here is the astonishing total raised from all our events and programmes during 2018.

Vilamoura International School (CIV) donated €7000 to various charity organisations, at the annual Christmas Concert that took place in Casino de Vilamoura last December. This value was raised by the school community, through the various stalls at the Christmas Fair.

The annual charity event to swim or paddle in the Atlantic Ocean has, this year, so far, raised over 1600 Euros for children in care. A big thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part, to BlueXperience for participating on paddles on Christmas Day, the teams of Volunteers collecting donations, those who watched, the media for the publicity, Diogo Correia and Alberto Cortez for their superb photografic coverage of the events and to everyone who donated so generously.

Castelo de Sonhos (CdeS) the Silves based family charity would like to thank everyone who helped make their annual kids Christmas Party such a success.

The Silves Town Hall & local Council office supplied the FISSUL exhibition space for the party plus two enormous bouncy castles, the face painting materials and a popcorn cart, they also designed & printed the poster and purchased soft drinks and party food.

Thank you and congratulations to all those who participated in the Traditional Charity Santa Swim on Christmas Day in Armação de Pêra.

The weather was warm with blue skies and sea was fairly calm, (unfortunately the low tide meant it was a little rocky) with a temperature of about 21ºC.

Thanks to the tremendous generous response from everybody this year, well over 200 boxes filled with items of warm clothing, food, chocolates and other goodies have been received by the family charity Castelo de Sonhos based in Silves.
Distribution is now taking place with many boxes being delivered to rural areas such as Sao Marcos da Serra. From the attached photos you can see the joy these boxes bring to elderly people, especially to those living on their own.

The Algarve Senior Bikers held their annual charity lunch on Friday 14 th of December. Returning to the popular Fatacil restaurant for the ninth time since the group was formed.

A draw for a festive hamper was made by Sandra Rodrigues one of two guests from the staff of the Gaivota home and she managed to pick her own ticket but promised to share the goodies with the kids in the home.

Almancil International Rotary Club's first ever golf competition raised a total of 5,700 euros for local charities which will include Centro de Dia Alzheimer e Parkinson day care centre in Vila Sol. The centre will eventually provide day care facilities for up to 20 people with special needs.